Bone fixation system

Abstract

An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least one of the blades has a variable blade width that increases in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A mechanism for coupling the implant to a second fracture fixation implant may be provided separately or in combination.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A method for treating at least one bone fracture, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a first fracture fixation implant and a second fracture fixation implant wherein the first fracture fixation implant comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end, a plurality of blades being disposed on at least a distal bladed portion of the shaft and helically twisted about the longitudinal axis, a non-bladed portion of the shaft extending proximally from the bladed portion, the non-bladed portion including a tapered region having a diameter that decreases in a direction toward the bladed portion and a substantially flat engagement surface configured and dimensioned to be engaged by a prong of a body member, the first fracture fixation implant including a distal and proximal stop surfaces at distal and proximal ends, respectively, of the flat engagement surface, wherein the second fracture fixation implant comprises a bore configured to receive the first fracture fixation implant; 
 (b) positioning the second fracture fixation implant in relation to a first bone fracture; and 
 (c) inserting the first fracture fixation implant through the bore of the second fracture fixation implant so that at least a part of the non-bladed portion extends on a distal side of the second fracture fixation implant, the first fracture fixation implant being allowed to slide within the bore, wherein engagement of the prong with the substantially flat engagement surface prevents rotation of the first fracture fixation implant and wherein engagement of the prong with the distal and proximal stop surfaces defines a permitted range of sliding motion of the first fracture fixation implant within the second fracture fixation implant when the first fixation implant is in a final installed position therewithin. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the bore is associated with the body member and a drive member that cooperate to substantially prevent rotation of the first fracture fixation implant within the bore. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the drive member comprises a tool-engaging portion. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the blades of the first fracture fixation implant has a variable blade width that varies in a direction along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes inserting the second fracture fixation implant into an intramedullary canal. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first fracture fixation implant and the second fracture fixation implant is inserted by use of a driving tool. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one bone fracture is located along a femur. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein at least one bone fracture is an intertrochanteric fracture. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second fracture fixation device further comprising at least one fixation hole, and further comprising the step of inserting at least one fastener into at least one fixation hole of the second fracture fixation device. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second fracture fixation device is substantially cannulated. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes using a guide to position the second fracture fixation implant. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes using an insertion handle to position the second fracture fixation implant. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the insertion handle comprises a handle portion and a coupling portion, the coupling portion coupling the second fracture fixation implant to the insertion handle. 
     
     
       14. A method of treating at least one fracture of the femur comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a fixation implant and an intramedullary rod, wherein the fixation implant comprises:
 a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, comprising a distal bladed portion and a proximal non-bladed portion, the bladed portion and the non-bladed portion each having an outer diameter, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end; and 
 a plurality of blades disposed on the bladed portion of the shaft helically twisted about the longitudinal axis, wherein the non-bladed portion includes a tapered region located substantially adjacent the bladed portion and a substantially flat engagement surface configured and dimensioned to be engaged by a prong of a body member, the fixation implant including distal and proximal stop surfaces at distal and proximal ends, respectively, of the flat engagement surface, wherein the tapered portion defines a tapered region diameter that decreases in a direction toward the bladed portion, and wherein the intramedullary rod comprises a head portion and a shaft portion, the head portion includes a bore configured to receive the fixation implant; 
 
 (b) inserting the intramedullary rod into the intramedullary canal of the femur; and 
 (c) inserting the fixation implant through the bore of the intramedullary rod, such that the fixation implant engages a head of the femur and at least a portion of the non-bladed portion extends on a distal side of the intramedullary rod, and wherein engagement of the prong with the substantially flat engagement surface prevents rotation of the fixation implant and wherein engagement between the prong and the distal and proximal stop surfaces defines a permitted range of sliding motion of the fixation implant within the intramedullary rod when the first fixation implant is in a final installed position therewithin. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the blades of the fixation implant has a variable blade width that varies in a direction along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the fixation implant is allowed to slide a predetermined distance within the bore without being able to back-out of the bore. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 14 , wherein at least one fracture is an intertrochanteric fracture. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the stem portion of the intramedullary rod includes at least one fixation hole, and further comprising the step of inserting at least one fastener into at least one fixation hole of the intramedullary rod. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the intramedullary rod is substantially cannulated. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 14 , wherein step (c) includes using a driving tool to insert the fixation implant through the bore and into the head of the femur. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 14 , wherein impact driving is employed to drive the plurality of blades into the head of the femur. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the non-bladed portion of the first fracture implant mates with the bore of the second fracture fixation implant to provide a stable sliding interconnection between the non-bladed portion and the bore. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the maximum outer diameter of the bladed portion is equal to or smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the non-bladed portion. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the maximum outer diameter of the bladed portion is equal to or smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the non-bladed portion. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the bore of the head portion is associated with the body member and a drive member.